So, I am sure most of you have already heard the buzz about Zentangles. I have been tangling and tangling so much that I can't seem to do anything else! seriously...
Back a few months ago I was searching around the internet for doodles and came across the Zentangles website. You can see it here. Since then, I organized a group of art teachers and had one of the CZT (certified zentangle teacher) out to our district to give us a class. We had a blast, although it went by way too fast!
I have incorporated "Tangle Time" into the art day with all the kids in my school. I set aside a whole week (remember, I only see the kids once a week for an hour) to teach the art of Zentangle. I am SO happy that the kids love this "new" art!!! So, back to "Tangle Time," instead of the dreaded "Free Draw" station I made a "Tangle Time" station. I have an index card box with laminated index cards that have different tangles on them. The kids can tangle in their sketchbooks, use a blank square piece of paper to create their own Zentangle, or choose from a variety of empty Zentagle tiles I have already made. So far, so good! Kids love it, I love it and even some of the assistants are getting into it! YEAH!
Check out a few of my Zentangles and Tangles that I have been working on...I will post some from the kids soon...enjoy!
This first one is for The Diva's Weekly Challengle, week 10. I thought I would give the challenge a try..."The Space Between." Check out The Diva's Blog, I know you will enjoy it!!!
This first one is for The Diva's Weekly Challengle, week 10. I thought I would give the challenge a try..."The Space Between." Check out The Diva's Blog, I know you will enjoy it!!!
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ledenzer | February 21, 2011 at 8:42 PM
I love the "Space between". It has a flair to it that is sort of romantic!
i am the diva | February 21, 2011 at 9:08 PM
these are just lovely!! welcome to the challenge, and i love the idea of TANGLE TIME!!
janee | February 21, 2011 at 9:53 PM
I love these, Tana. Wonderful job.
Anonymous | February 21, 2011 at 11:04 PM
glorious use of space!The space sems to change as you look at it. Just LOVE these!
Phyl | February 21, 2011 at 11:34 PM
I'm feeling a little clueless. I've been doodling FOREVER, and these, while lovely, simply remind me of my doodles. What exactly is the deal w/zentangles that require a certified instructor? Am I the only person who doesn't get it? What makes a zentangle any different than any other pretty doodle? (Please don't be offended - this is a question, not a critique.)
Daniele OBrien Design, CZT | February 22, 2011 at 4:06 AM
Your tangles are lovely. You definitely have the white space down, I love the breathing room.
I'm so sorry that Phyl doesn't get it... The Zentangle process helps take this beyond mindless doodling to a mindful, meaningful process where pen and intuition lead you, one step at a time. It has helped re-ignite my creative side and influenced my drawings. Everyone I've exposed to this process has been bitten by the bug, what a great addiction! Phyl might want to check out http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs023/1101168872594/archive/1103919123906.html to answer some of her questions.
Kimi | February 22, 2011 at 5:11 AM
These are all great. Isn't it wonderful to see the kids eyes light up when they realize what they can do with this?
tana... | February 22, 2011 at 6:47 AM
Thanks to you all!!!
Phyl, doing a Zentangle doesn't "require" one to be taught by a certified zentangle teacher. I hope you check out the Zentangle website and read about the theory behind Rick and Maria's Zentangle craze. And, yes, basically we are just doodling, but in a much deeper thought process. I hope that helps! I would love to see you try a zentangle!! :)
Kit @ Dreamscribe | February 22, 2011 at 11:39 AM
These are all wonderful, Tana! A truly enlightened teacher, to include Tangle Time in the curriculum. [smiles] Welcome to the challenges - looking forward to following your tangly future postings. =) Namaste from Kit in Australia.
Kreanimo | February 22, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Hey Tana,
I linked to your blog on my blog because you convinced me to try a zentangle too.
Although I think I'm just drawing doodles at the time, because I haven't had a teacher.
I don't think there are zentangle teachers here in Belgium.
I will check out daniel's site.
I linked here: http://artlessonsfrombelgium.blogspot.com/2011/02/zentangling-away.html
ptrish40 | February 22, 2011 at 12:58 PM
Wonderful Zentangle - I really love the effect of the gathered lacy tangle dangling through this zentangle - WAY COOL!!!
Unknown | February 23, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Lovely Zentangles!! Keep it up!!
Unknown | February 23, 2011 at 9:50 PM
Happy that you have discovered Zentangle too! Your tangles are fabulous! Keep tangling!
Diane Trew | February 25, 2011 at 12:49 AM
Your tangles are great. I love tangling here in MN also! Hope to see more of yours on future challenges.
Kit @ Dreamscribe | February 25, 2011 at 5:44 AM
Hi again Tana! I've just been contacted by a grade 2-3 teacher who wants me to go and teach her kids. I've taught many beginner classes, but the youngest student I've had was 11 years old. Do I treat grade 2-3 kids like mini adults, demonstrate the tangles one-stroke-at-a-time and get them to follow along? Any suggestions/ideas would be very much appreciated!! Could you contact me - kit@dreamscribedesigns.com.au - your input would be awesome. =)
Terri Stegmiller | February 26, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Lovely designs!
jessica Johnston | February 26, 2011 at 3:40 PM
I love these designs and can't wait to check out zentangles. I am of school with a broken leg for 4-5 weeks. I am high energy and am going a bit stir crazy. This sounds like a fun sight! Check out my blog -smartypantsjohnston.blogspot.com By the way I love the layout of your page with the pictures! Jessica